Restaurant Review: Lynnally's

Friday

I kind of have a thing for alleys. I like the idea of stores and restaurants hidden away from plain view, waiting for people who are willing to walk just a bit off the beaten path to find them.

I kind of have a thing for alleys. I like the idea of stores and restaurants hidden away from plain view, waiting for people who are willing to walk just a bit off the beaten path to find them.

And so I'm lucky to work right near the intersection of two great alleys, Pearl and Lynn. Besides the amazing Pearl Market farmers market, these two streets are home to great little restaurants like El Arepazo, Jack's Diner, Ringside Cafe and the new (very appropriately named) Lynnally's.

It's in the space most recently occupied by Deli in the Alley, and it follows the same basic formula - soups, salads and sandwiches pushed out quickly during lunch rush.

But a few changes, like a commitment to fresh ingredients that includes slow-roasting their own meats and making soups from scratch, make this place well worth checking out.

I'm a fan of their hearty salads. You can choose one of their recommended combinations or create your own concoction from a long list of toppings, including a bunch of unexpected high-end options - beet curls, candied pecans, edamame, fresh mozzarella, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers and applewood-smoked bacon.